Locals are the key!

I had a chance to visit some great places along the Shores of Muskegon this weekend. The first stop, Muskegon Yacht Club Open House, then on to Torresen Marine Spring Thaw event, finishing the day at Great Lakes Marina with the crew at Lakeshore Yacht Sales. Spring always brings a feeling of excitement as we anticipate the start of another boating season. I enjoyed seeing the newer docks and new bar area at MYC, loved the sailing products available at Torresen and Great Lakes had refreshed signs with new. While all these places have buildings, docks and signs, what struck me the most was the people. It's the locals that make a place special.

When I walked through the door at the Yacht Club, I was greeted by Nikki. She said "hi", showed me to the dining area where Kim the manager welcomed me to the club. Soon I was eating chili and talking to Corrine and Garret as we dreamed about summer sailing, swimming in the MYC pool and enjoying all the MYC events. Donna soon introduced herself and introduced me to 2 new members Joe and Jim that had just joined the club. Larry and Andy came over, MYC Board members ,as they explained the clubs mission and goal.

At Torresen's Judi greeted me as I walked into the Spring Thaw, Torresen's Spring event with vendors booths and special presentations about sailing and boating news. After signing me up for a chance to win some great door prizes, we talked about the summer Sailstice held in Muskegon each year. As I wondered through the exhibits, I talked with reps form the Muskegon Power Squadron concerning boating safety classes, and the area director of NOAA, Dennis Donahue about the federal grant that brings restoration projects to finish and the next steps in creating a Blue Print for development and growth.

Marjorie at Great Lakes greeted me with a smile, as she was servicing a new customer for a slip. It was great to see her again. I turned to see Dave salesman with Lakeshore Yacht Sales as we started talking about boats for sale and all the fun events happening on Muskegon Lake, including the powerboat weekend. It is the locals that make places special, the smiles, the conversation and the willingness to include visitors in the fun. I hope you have the same experience as you get the chance to meet the locals.

Muskegon Michigan... where locals smile and visitors are always welcome.

Dear West Michigan..... Attention...Muskegon will be the go to place!Dear West Michigan ,

Muskegon is located in the middle of the Michigan's Gold Coast. As ambassador, I invite you to experience the effect of the Lake on our community. We have water and willing and ready for you to enjoy with family and friends. Mark my words, Muskegon will be the go to place! From the beach to the river you will find great places to eat, relax and enjoy. Our wish is when people ask, "What's the best place to see Lake Michigan?", you will recommend the Shores of Muskegon.

Enjoy this series of some great things to do and see around Muskegon Lake.

Dockers Fish House

Sunday Funday! It's not the only day that you'll find fun at this great Muskegon maritime establishment. Located on the interior waterway off Muskegon Lake, Dockers is on the list of the Muskegon must things to do. Nestled among Habour Towne Waterfront Condos and the Marina, clanging sailboat masts and summer views will enhance your experience. "My Husband and I and 2 of our close friends visited Dockers," wrote Kelly Sawicki in a dockers review. "The place was very very busy! All the employees were smiling and very helpful. We all loved the atmosphere and the service was excellent! The food came in a timely manner. The food was top notch, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable! At 6:00 a two member band (very talented) entertained us with upbeat music that was the perfect volume. We sat outside by the tiki bar. It was a wonderful experience!! We will definitely return!!"

By land or by water getting to Dockers is a beautiful ride, passing Muskegon Pere Marquette Park, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Michigan west coast, and the USS Silversides Museum, home to the World War II submarine. Boaters can tie up along the breakwater wall, or Dockers floating dock. "We visit by boat multiple times during the summer," Commented Wally Swanlund. "We have ALWAYS found the experience fantastic. Great food, very reasonable for the scenery, entertainment, friendly and helpful staff. Nothing quite like Dockers on Lake Michigan that feels like you are in the Caribbean! We usually take guests on our boat and it is such a great experience on a Sat or Sun PM that they buy lunch,!" Dockers Famous Tiki Bar includes Sushi and the famous Bloody Mary that many claim as the best around. Severed with a Carona makes it extra special.

While being closed in the winter, dockers is vibrant and happening in the summer. With great management from the Harris Hospitality Group and superb seasonal wait staff, you should put Dockers on your list as a summer favorite. Out of state visitors find Dockers a great place to visit. "Dockers is a destination when we visit from California every year. The Bloody Mary's are fantastic, like a meal on their own. The food is well prepared and delicious."

With "Eats and Beats" every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, don't miss out!

A Brief History (Thanks to Dockers website)Dockers originally opened in 1997 and was added to an independently owned family business, Harris Hospitality; whose passion is restaurants and 'everything food'. We pride ourselves on great food and service while striving for an unforgettable experience for all our guests. Dockers holds a tasteful menu that pleases all palates, which matches the breathtaking views of its surroundings. Dockers is located near Pere Marquette Beach, tucked into quaint Harbor Town Marina, overlooking Muskegon Lake. We are steps from Lake Michigan Beach, as well as easy access and docking for all boaters from Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. We are a fun, casual restaurant with a friendly staff who love to chat with the locals and meet travelers from afar. You really can't find a better view in Muskegon. With an indoor bar and main dining area surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, along with three amazing outdoor patio areas. Our Private Patio, overlooking Pigeon Key Marina, is great for any occasion including, Rehearsal Dinners, Birthdays, or Anniversaries. The Awning, having views of Harbour Town Marina, is just right for those who must be outside but need a little shade. And finally our Famous Tiki Bar, where anything goes, holds live local music every Saturday and Sunday.

Private PartiesDockers is available to you for private functions. We offer a full line of options which can be customized to suit any of your needs. We have facilities that accomodate a group of any size up to 250 guests. Facility is available in the off-season as well and makes the perfect location for weddings and holiday parties.

Why Choose Muskegon? Community Focus - Great Lakes Marina!

Why Choose Muskegon? Community Focus - Great Lakes Marina!

Why choose Muskegon? First the effect of the lake on the area is great. With 10 Marina's and over 3000 slips the port of Muskegon is a great place to play. The City of Muskegon web site says it this way:

"Without a doubt, Muskegon is a boater’s paradise. With the sheltered waters of Muskegon Lake and access to Lake Michigan, boating opportunities of all kinds await. Cruise the “Big Lake”, fish Muskegon Lake, spend a restful day at the dock or tour local attractions. Whatever your boating needs or interests, Muskegon is here to help."

Many choose to slip at Great Lakes Marina located in the Lakeside District in Muskegon, Michigan. Along with the slips Great Lakes offers in and out service, where boats are stored inside and the placed in the water as captains choose to take a ride. "I love that the boat is out of the water and stored in a dry place", said Roger Zuidema of Muskegon Lake Effect Boating. "I can't believe that they take time to wash off the bottom. It's a sight to see as the boats are taken in and out by giant forklifts." Great Lakes also offers a gas dock for all your fuel needs, including marine store and pump out.

This past fall (2013) Great Lakes ownership shifted to Morningstar Marinas. Jeff Covey the Marina Manger is excited about the change and looks to continue the outstanding tradition of quality service and fun.

Our expert staff is fully committed to making sure your experience at our marinas is exceptional on every level. With a passion for boating and years of experience, our staff provides an unparalleled level of professionalism and service. Wether you’re a novice boater looking for tips and advice or an expert looking for the insight of another experienced boater, our staff is always available to help. Visit the About Us section to learn more about the individual staff members at each of our marinas.

Great Lakes Marina is located in the Lakeside District of Muskegon, on Muskegon Lake with direct access to Lake Michigan. We have a well seasoned, knowledgeable team that has matured in the boating industry, and we will give each and every member the personal touch they deserve.

Great Lakes Marina is a full-service facility that can meet all of your service and repair needs. We employ a staff of professional, certified technicians, and we offer a complete parts and service department.

Boat SalesLakeshore Yacht Sales has an on-site showroom at the marina featuring a full display of brokerage boats with exceptional rates. For more information, stop by their showroom or call 231-457-4088. Visit the following website to view their inventory: www.yachtworld.com/lakeshoreyachtsales."At Morningstar Marinas, we’ve created a community of boaters who come together to enjoy life on the water. Whether you’re an old salt or novice boater, our friendly knowledgeable staff is always on hand with the support you need. We work quickly and efficiently to help you get out on the water so you can start boating and start having fun as soon as you arrive. With clubhouse facilities and picnic areas, clean bathhouse facilities, restaurants, fuel, fish cleaning stations and ship’s stores, Morningstar Marinas is more than just a place to store your boat—it’s a boating experience you’ll never forget".

Go Jump In the Lake

Go Jump In The Lake

I think we missed the mark! Where is the place you can legally jump into the lake? Shouldn't there be a place that we can have some fun and enjoy. Matter of fact, I think this could be one of the biggest tourism draws if marketed correctly. Different height jumps with a easy way to climb out.

Muskegon should create a destination where a fun jump can take place. It's time to turn out blue into gold, and make the area a prime tourism destination. All it would take is great vision and use of your natural resources.

So let's get this movement started. Who knows the City Manager? How can we make this happen? The Blue Movement is powerful.

Let's Grow the Lake Effect! Welcome to Muskegon! Where are favorite color is Blue.

The Milwaukee Clipper: The Queen of the Great LakesYes it's time for a new Dock!

Growing the Blue Economy: Muskegon, Michigan. The Milwaukee Clipper needs to get a dock! The Queen Mary of the Great Lakes need to become a great tourism draw. Can you say potential. The Clipper could do here in Muskegon as the Queen Mary does for Long Beach. Take a look at the Queen Mary's web page. Come on Muskegon. Embrace your past and use it for good. Let's Grow the Blue Economy through tourism.

It's All About the Water!

I've been reading the MLive articles focusing on what "Hooked people on Muskegon". What is it that people like about Muskegon? They are hooked are the natural resources / water. Take a peek at a few examples:

I think it's time to ask the question. What would bring more people to Muskegon? If Muskegon is going to be major player in the tourism industry, growth and development needs to continue. Along with our natural resources we need signature destinations and events that draw people.

So what's my point? Let's focus on the Blue! Let's start developing and using the resources to build our economy. With the right blend of restaurants, green space, walkways, water walks, lighthouses, piers and events we can take a leading role in building the economy and rebranding Muskegon.

Ok. Now it's time for some ideas:

Tourism Structure and Activity Development: Invest in tourism infrastructure is critical to Muskegon. While the natural resources are the big draw to entice people to the area Muskegon needs signature tourism places. Not only places we need to have activities and fun that draw people to have fun.

Downtown:

A downtown Convention Center. Let's bring more groups to the area.

A walking/shopping/restaurant/ Pier. A critical step to attract visitors.

The Biggest Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. People flock to see amazing things.

New beach Restaurant and Recreational Development. Wouldn't a great Key West style sunset party each summer with music and a countdown be a great draw.

The Milwaukee Clipper needs a dock. The Queen Mary of the Great Lakes need to become a great tourism draw.

Lumbertown Working Sawmill: Where have all the sawmills gone? We were once lumbertown of Michigan west cost. We need to grasp our history and show people what can be produces and manufactured and yes even sell this items. From small tourist figures to chairs let's showcase your history in lumber

Downtown Fun Docks: A great place for boaters to have fun in downtown Muskegon needs to happen. The great thing is that we a walk way near the boats. it can draw people to watch, walk by and add a great attraction to the downtown area.

Events/Happenings/Activities:

Every weekend a fun event should take place at the beach. Volleyball tournament, polo matches, a giant beach slip and slide, soccer events and much more needs to happen.

Schooner Rides. Where is our historic ship?

Continue to Grow the successful events. Unity Christian Music Festival, Moosefest, Taste of Muskegon, etc. What are more great events that can take place in MKG?

USS Silversides and LST393 our great attractions. Let's use these for parties and fun.

Fishing Tournaments. We have great tournaments we need to promote and make these

Sailing regattas. Muskegon is the best sailing destination in the state. We need more sailing regattas with prizes that draw people from all over.

Youth tournaments will be a great way to bring people to the area. Baseball, softball, hockey, really every sport can be big draws to your community.

Ziplines, places to take a big jump in the lake, parasail rides, let's make Muskegon a fun place to visit.

A vital face of the "Blue Economy" includes the recreational tourism industry. Let's grow the Lake Effect as we make yourself the place to go to if your looking for water and fun.

Muskegon County Michigan - Our favorite color is "Blue". Made for "Fun".

From the lake and awesome beaches, to the USS Silversides, LST393, and yes even the Milwaukee Clipper, there is so much to do and see in the Muskegon area. I enjoy a nice bike ride down the Lakeshore Bike Trail. You can find great things no matter the season. Have you been ice skating or cross country skiing at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex? I also love the great restaurants, some with maritime views including Dockers Fish House, Bear Lake Tavern and Lake House Waterfront Grille.

The uniqueness of Muskegon is evident. I believe that by focusing on "blue" characteristics we can improve the economy. Muskegon is in the process of reinventing itself. It's time to embrace what the "Blue Economy" has been yelling at us. Let’s use the draw of natural beauty, create great events that showcase, and invest with infrastructure, including signature destinations places that will draw people to live, work and play here in Muskegon. Yes, blue water means real gold. And, yes it's time to grow the Lake Effect!